Tips for Participating in
a Compressed Video Course
DOs:
Sit close to the table and as close as possible to a microphone, with the microphone pointing towards you.
Use the camera pre-sets and the zoom function on the control panel to give others a closer view of your site. Wide views in which students and the instructor appear as tiny images can be disconcerting after some time.
Designate one or two students at your site to operate the control panel.
Like a computer, the control panel has a screen saver which comes on after a few minutes if the control panel is not touched. If the screen seems to go “blank”, don’t panic. Just touch the screen.
The only way to “raise your hand” to participate in class is to speak up. An extended noise is what switches the system to your site so your instructor and other students can see you. Don’t be afraid to make yourself heard—you won’t be interrupting class!
Use the Mute function if students at your site wish to talk among yourselves (small group discussions, etc.).
Call Technical Support at 1-800-696-4357 (HELP) for assistance with technical difficulties or to report problems. Technical Support staff can also reach your instructor in the “origination” site should the system fail and you want to call your instructor.
If you need to use the document camera or computer at any time during the semester, please ask your site coordinator for training. (See the manual.)
Remember that other sites may be able to see you even when your image is not on your screen!
Notify the site coordinator at another site if you plan to participate in your class from another location with students enrolled in your course. (See phone numbers on the classroom wall and online)
DON’Ts:
Do not make any adjustments to the remote monitor.
Do not slide, tap on, or cover the microphones with papers or other objects.
Do not turn the microphone so that the end opposite the cord faces the television speakers. This will cause an echoing effect.